From the radio program Echo of Moscow: a telephone conversation with hostages in the Dubrovka theatrical complex on October 26^th, 2002, at 5:30 am — just before the assault.

http://echo.msk.ru/interview/20120/

SKOPTSOVA: I don’t know, they've let out some gas, all the people are sitting in the hall, we’re asking that it won’t be just like, we’re hoping anyway that we’re not on the Kursk, not there, maybe I’ll give you Anya.

STEPANENKO: Natash, she called us.

ANDRIANOVA: This is Anya.  I’ve got the impression that the soldiers have started things.  Guys, don’t leave us, if there’s a chance, if you can do it, we’re asking you…

STEPANENKO: Ann, we’re trying, can you explain what you’re feeling?  Is it tear gas?  What kind of gas is it?

ANDRIANOVA: I don’t know what kind of gas, but I see a reaction, that these people don’t want to kill the good guys and bad guys, but, I think, our soldiers have started to do something, I don’t think we’re going to get out of here alive, I think this is going to end badly…

STEPANENKO: Anya, can you tell us what kind of gas it is?  Is it tear gas?  What’s happening to the people?  Can you see it?  Are you feeling it?

ANDRIANOVA: Guys, I’m begging… I don’t know, we see, we feel, we’re breathing through hankies, our boys are doing something.  (Shooting is audible for 2–3 seconds.)  Oh, Lord!!!  (Pause)  Can you hear us?

STEPANENKO: Yes.

ANDRIANOVA: Now we’re all going to get blown to Hell.  Well, our boys started it…

STEPANENKO: What was all the shooting just now?